Builders can meet the buyer in upcoming procurement event

A not-for-profit center dedicated to improving economic development and national defense, the Southwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center, is hosting an event to spread the word on governmental contractors buying construction services in Southwest Michigan.

Purchasing and development professionals from the Austin Company, City of Kalamazoo, City of Portage, Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo County Road Commission, Western Michigan University, and other construction-related contractors will be available to meet with those attending the meeting.

“Meet the Buyer: Construction” takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center on the campus of WMU. The Southwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center event is hosted by Southwest Michigan First, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the federal government.

Presenters include Kelly Clarke, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, and Daniel Argentati from the Michigan Fair Contracting Center, discussing the Davis Bacon Act. Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas will deliver the opening remarks.

Pre-registration is required. Send email to Kim Bourner at here with the subject line: “Meet the Buyer: Construction.”  The email should include the attendee's name, business name, business address--street, city, state and zip code--phone, email and permission to share contact information with other attendees.

The Southwest Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center assists Michigan businesses in obtaining and performing on federal, state, and local government contracts. Its seminars, events, consultations and trainings help local businesses succeed in the government marketplace.